Freshman Buyer, Need Tech Buy Advice
 

Hey, I sold my Mitsubishi 3000GT SL and am now interested in a Benz... and need advise on what to stay away from or consider to meet my wish list:

1. Once purchased - no major mechanical problems for 2 years.
2. Once purchased - no more than $500 in mechanical investment for 1 year.
3. Buy price - under $5000

So, what is the best model and year of MB to shop?

Cheers, BaytoBeaches :(:rolleyes:

Based on your criteria, a Honda.

In all seriousness though, you won't. You could find a nice W124 that has perfect history for $5k, but you'll still end up putting ~$1k/yr into it. More so if you don't do the work yourself.

I went to a Stealth R/T (almost the same exact car) to a MB, small world....PM me if you have any specific questions about the comparison. I still miss it but will probably have a 3si TT in the near future because I absolutely loved that car and have a huge soft spot for them. Anyways Ps2cho hit it on the mark. You can get a great w124 for $2500 but be prepared to spend a bit into it if your budget is 5k, same thing to be considered if you were getting another SL from 90-94 but the MBs will last much much longer if properly maintained. Even a w201 or something from the mid 90s might not be off mark, but with any car that old you'll hit repairs. Case in point, my 3si, I redid the timing belt, all hoses and plugs/wires etc and was dead reliable for 30k until some guy nailed it in a snowstorm :mad:. It's just a matter of the car being that old more than anything, look for records.

X2

Ok, here is an idea.

Look for a 1993 to 1995 w124 to your liking that has a new wiring harness, tranny rebuild, and the A/C Evaporator replaced. If its a wagon, make sure the rear suspension has been had the hydraulic spheres replaced.

When you find that, buy it. I'm betting that car will keep you under your money goal. It will take a while to find that car, but its not impossible.